The Philosophy and Practical Aspect of Pilgrimage (Hajj)

By: Muhammad Kamran Rifat

There are five pillars of Islam; Uniqueness (Tauheed), Prayer, Fast, Pilgrimage (Hajj) and Alms-giving (Zakat). The first pillar is Tauheed (Uniqueness), the announcement of the Uniqueness of the Almighty and the Prophet Hood of Muhammad (PBUH). Although it is just a confirmation uttered from the tongue but you cannot get into the circle of Islam without it. This announcement is the prelude and a basic step for introducing into this particular Institution and the Class called religion Islam. Unless you stipulate, you cannot become the part and parcel of this particular Class. Because of this fact, Tauheed is an essential pillar, but you don’t have to abide by rules and regulations. Regardless of wherever in the Universe you’re, whatever your age is, what words you speak, your ethnic background or time, if you have recited Kalimaah-e-Haq (Kalimaah-e-Tayyaba), given acceptance from your tongue, you become part of the Islamic Republic.

The Familiar Spirit

Ahmad, the chef, sees his face in the mirror. He names it reflection. When he walks away from the mirror, his reflection disappears. The mirror is blank now. After a few minutes, Ahmad comes back and sees his reflection.

Hassam, the architect, comes close to the mirror to see what happened. He sees both Ahmad and his reflection. He cannot tell them apart. He asks Ahmad to move away. Reflection goes, the mirror is blank again. He calls him back and his face (reflection) reappears. Surprised to see, Hassam slaps Ahmad. Ahmad places hand on his left cheek. The mirror reflects. Hassam gets confused. He goes and slaps reflection. It does not move. He comes back and pinches Ahmad. He says ouch! The reflection moves. Hassam now pinches the reflection. It remains still and shows no feelings. He realizes that the reaction only comes from the object, not the reflection.